Permanent Total Parenteral Nutrition

Abstract

Permanent total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is a new form of life-sustaining therapy.1,2 This treatment is indicated in situations where the disease results in a state in which the small bowel is no longer able to perform its normal absorptive functions to support life.2,3 Initiating this type of therapy requires the operative insertion of a permanent silastic catheter into the subclavian vein through which essential nutrients are infused into the body to meet the daily requirements for growth and metabolism. TPN is an artificial and unnatural source of feeding and nurturance which demands major adjustments in life-style. Patients must learn the intricacies of the entire TPN system and become totally self-sufficient in its use. For this, patients undergo a period of training during which they learn to operate this complicated apparatus independently. This highly complex and completely sterile procedure is repeated 365 days a year!